General Physics, Nonlinear Science, Statistical Physics, Atomic, Molecular and Cluster Physics, Plasma and Fluid Physics, Condensed Matter,
Cross-disciplinary Physics, Biological Physics, Nanosciences, Quantum Physics
Peer Review Policy for Physics Letters A
The practice of peer review is to ensure that good science is published. It is an objective process at the heart of good scholarly publishing and is carried out by all reputable scientific journals. Our referees therefore play a vital role in maintaining the high standards of "Physics Letters A" and all manuscripts are peer reviewed following the procedure outlined below.
Special issues and/or conference proceedings may have different peer review procedures involving, for example, Guest Editors, conference organizers or scientific committees. Authors contributing to these projects may receive full details of the peer review process on request from the editorial office.
Initial manuscript evaluation
The editor first evaluates all manuscripts. It is rare, but it is entirely feasible for an exceptional manuscript to be accepted at this stage. Those rejected at this stage are insufficiently original, have serious scientific flaws, have poor grammar or English language, or are outside the aims and scope of the journal. Those that meet the minimum criteria are typically passed on to at least 2 experts for review.
Authors of manuscripts rejected at this stage will normally be informed within two weeks of receipt.
Type of peer review
This journal employs single blind review, where the referee remains anonymous throughout the process.
How the referee is selected
Referees are matched to the paper according to their expertise. Our database is constantly being updated. We welcome suggestions for referees from the author though these recommendations may or may not be used.
Referee reports
Referees are asked to evaluate whether the manuscript:
- Is work of sufficient originality
- Is of high scientific quality
- Is methodologically sound
- Is timely
- Is of sufficient urgency to require rapid publication
- Follows appropriate ethical guidelines (plagiarism is not tolerated, and is a basis for rejection!)
- Has results which are clearly presented and support the conclusions
- Correctly references previous relevant work
Referees are not expected to correct or copyedit manuscripts. Language correction is not part of the peer review process, but many referees do offer advice, and this can be most useful.
How long does the review process take?
Typically the manuscript will be reviewed within two months. Should the referees' reports contradict one another or a report is unnecessarily delayed a further expert opinion may be sought. All our referees sign a conflict of interest statement. Revised manuscripts are usually returned to the initial referees within two weeks. Referees may request more than one revision of a manuscript.
Final report
A final decision to accept or reject the manuscript will be sent to the author along with any recommendations made by the referee(s), and may include verbatim comments by the referee(s).
Editor's decision is final
Referees advise the editor, who is responsible for the final decision to accept or reject the article.
Becoming a referee for "Physics Letters A"
If you are not currently a referee for "Physics Letters A" but would like to be added to the list of referees for this journal, please contact one of the main editors (for contact details please go to http://www.elsevier.com/locate/pla). The benefits of refereeing for "Physics Letters A" include the opportunity to see and evaluate the latest work in your research area at an early stage. You may also be able to cite your work for "Physics Letters A" in fulfilment of your professional development requirements for various professional societies and organizations.
